University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO, USA

Reviews

University of Northern Colorado

Brittany from Greeley, CO

a current student here
27 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I had no idea I could cram so much information into my head. I find myself doing everyday activities and understanding so much more about them that I did before. Every time I clean my fish tank, I wonder how many different molecules are in the water and how I can eliminate them or produce more using my knowledge of chemistry. I watch the Discovery channel and find myself naming the phylum or class of the species I see.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is beautiful. Being on summer break, I miss walking along the sidewalks under the gorgeous trees. I also miss gazing at the detailed architecture of the dorms and lecture halls. I love the small class size and the professors seemed so determined to have every student succeed, no matter how big the class is. UNC also offers great tutoring services which includes one on one or supplemental instruction (group).
Bang for the buck
Very much so. UNC offers so many opportunities to help students succeed. Such as free tutoring, job fairs, scholarship fairs, a variety of clubs, an abundance of sororities and fraternities and support groups. Our recreation center is awesome. I never once waited for a machine and the pool is huge! They have really great fitness classes also; I really liked aerobics. Our library is beautiful. Each level has a different noise level so you can be social while you study or you can study alone.
Tips for prospective students
To do well in your classes make sure you don't get behind. Read chapters before, attend every lecture and review afterwards. Procrastinating and waiting a week before a test to study is a death sentence. Try to find a good balance between socializing and studying. Make sure to do both, but not only one or the other.
Great for these types of students
Students that are intimidated by large lectures, but don't want to go to a private school. UNC is known for it's nursing program, so if you want to go into nursing come here. UNC is a well rounded school and I believe anyone can find their niche here.

David from Parker, CO

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Not only have I picked up quite a bit going to UNC as far as my classes have gone (all of which have been highly informative), but I have been placed in an environment where it just feels right to continue into the ways of reality and adulthood.
Am enjoying being here
So far at UNC I have made solid friends, been involved in two groups for improvisational comedy, developed a love for philosophy as a subject, and experienced a sense of individuality that I don't think I've ever known before. It really is something special when you realize that you're living through what will one day be some of your fondest memories.
Bang for the buck
One of my primary reasons for attending UNC in the first place stems from all that I had heard about the Performance Arts program here. UNC may not be the best acting school in the country (if you're looking for that, I'd suggest an observatory), but considering the price, I do believe that it presents one of the best values in the country for this sort of thing. UNC provides skilled training at an affordable cost.
Tips for prospective students
My tips for prospective students would be to prepare ahead of time for what may come, and to visit the campus, as they may be able to feel the community vibe that UNC carries.
Great for these types of students
Students interested in acting, Students interested in education, Students interested in music, and Students who prefer an isolated yet urban environment.

Alyssa from Burlington, CO

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UNC is a wonderful campus that is... User friendly. The staff and professors are amazing, and will go the extra mile, or few extra hours to help students out personally. The academics are wonderful, and the people you'll be attending classes with are really nice, and helpful.
Tips for prospective students
When attending UNC, focus on your L.A.C. classes. Remember that as an incoming student majors don't have to be decided yet. Once on campus, learn the buildings, and where they are located. ONLY USE THE TUNNEL DURING THE DAY! Make friends that are the same age, but also make ones that are older, because they have already spent loads of time trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together that you are only beginning to sort out. Finally, have fun, but be responsible, and only do things that you are comfortable with.
Academic Rigor
If you decide to attend UNC try taking Life of the Mind. When registering it's called MIND 100. It's a class specifically designated for incoming freshmen, and the work load really helps to teach time management. As one of my professors had said to me, Decide what you want your grade to be in my class, and then do your work accordingly. That is the best advice anyone has ever given me when it comes to school.
Dorm Life
My own personal preference when going to school is living on Old Campus. The trees are beautiful. The dorms are smaller, but after visiting the newer, larger, dorms I realized that they could say, I know my entire floor. Whereas, I could sat, I know my entire dorm. When living in the dorm remember that the RAs are your friends, and there to help, and guide you. Your roommate will also make a big difference in whether you like your dorm or not. I had a couple of bad ones, but then I found a really great one that fit. After living with her I began to hang out with other people more, and had a blast. We even had a water balloon fight with the dorm across the street at the end of our spring semester! :D
Food and Dining
UNC is actually known mainly for the cooks that they hire to serve the students. I work at a dining hall myself, and love the people I work with. The job itself isn't terrible, but the people really make it an experience. The cooks are wonderful to talk to, and will give you tips on how to make something, and even on occasion will except recipes from students home, and try them out. Depending on how the dishes go over they might even add it on the menu.
What to do for fun
The campus is always doing things for everyone to be involved. They have cookouts when the weather permits. There is also giant block parties with live entertainment at the beginning of the semester. Swing dancing clubs are big on campus. There are also many places on 8th Avenue to go to as well. There is something her for everyone.
Bang for the buck
This campus is one of the cheapest in Colorado, but not just in Colorado, but the world as well. I mean this in the way that UNC has a very extensive study abroad program that allows you to travel to many different countries around the world, and pay the same amount as you would at UNC, or less! The best part is that they will send you somewhere that will benefit your major. One of my friends who is an English major is transferring to England for an entire year to study. And many other people I know are going to places in Africa, Asia, Japan, and Australia.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The tunnel is famous on campus for it's reputation, but some people here try to trick freshmen, and tell them that if they can get up into Gunther tower, and find the bell then they'll get a scholarship, but it's a lie. There is only a recorder up there. They also have the Taste of UNC which is a welcoming feast to all of the Freshmen, and then there is a Luau at the end of the year.
Great for these types of students
UNC mainly focuses on teaching, nursing, and business. Two other things UNC is known for is their music, art, and theatre programs which all can be taken with an emphasis in education for those who would like to teach about them. I myself am an art education major, and once I graduate will be able to teach grades k-12.
Clubs and Activities
The clubs and activities are endless. One person to ask about things to do on campus would be your personal advisor. Clubs also regularly post up notices in commons areas in dorms to keep students informed.
Greek Life
There are many Greek houses to join! They also help you stay involved on campus. One fraternity put on an Easter egg hunt for little ones this past spring.
Campus Safety
The campus has call boxes placed all over campus, supposedly there isn't a single place that you can stand on campus, and not see one nearby. Plus campus security is always patrolling.

Samantha from Centennial, CO

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here are so non-traditional which makes learning so much easier and more fun for me.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy the sense of community with such small classes. ( I am at the UNC Denver Campus) All of the students have the same common bond/goal which is to become teachers.
Bang for the buck
Compared to Greeley which is at about $18,000/year, it is about $7,000/year here. As a part of the program, all students must do an apprenticeship every day which provides some money for college.
Tips for prospective students
The Denver campus is nice if you don't want to live in Greeley or away from home but still want to major in ECE, Elementary Ed, or Special Ed. You work in the morning and go to school in the afternoon. Compared to most colleges and Greeley, you will be way ahead of the game, already working in schools, knowing if this is for you or not, having experience, and knowing how to write a full IEP.
Great for these types of students
Students who want to live at or near home, who don't want to pay as much, who want to major in ECE, Elementary Ed, or Special Ed, who want to work and go to school at the same time, and who want to be ahead of all of everyone else when they graduate from college.

Sarah from Westminster, CO

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors here seem really keen on helping students succeed. They are always willing to help students out with whatever they need. I love how knowledgeable that are in their prospective subjects. On top of that, if you are planning on doing any type of exchange trip, the professors are super helpful with finding classes with credits that will transfer.
Am enjoying being here
UNC's campus is absolutely beautiful! I love how central campus has that old school feel to it and yet is still up-to-date on the inside. The campus is kept extremely clean, which is always a plus. I love that there is a club for basically every activity you can think of, and the students on campus are laid back enough to make this an extremely enjoyable experience!
Bang for the buck
Definitely get more then you would expect. This school is considered one of the cheaper schools but the staff and campus don't feel cheap in the least. Our rec center is extremely nice.
Tips for prospective students
Do not sign up for 8 AM classes that take place across campus.

Jessica from Greeley, CO

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
It is AMAZING how much I have learned in the one and a half years I have been here. Some of the classes may start out as review of high school information but, trust me, you will learn a lot. The variety of classes offered at UNC is incredible. You can take a Badminton class in the morning and a chemistry class in the afternoon. The professors are easy to work with and some are actually quite entertaining.
Am enjoying being here
Where to start? I love the size of the campus. Its not too big that you feel lost but it is not small enough to feel like everyone know everything about you. The residence halls have a good community feeling and are a great way to get to know people. The campus is beautiful.

There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus. You can help plan events (like concerts with Boys Like Girls or homecoming), play sports (intramural or for the school), Greek Life or groups that concern your major.
Bang for the buck
It is expensive to be here, definitely. But it is worth it, believe me. The residence halls are a great place to be and the food at the dining hall is pretty good. The classes are definitely worth the money as well, as long as you actually attend class.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking for a medium size college with great classes and variety and awesome people, the University of Northern Colorado is the place to go. The campus is the perfect size and it is beautiful.
Great for these types of students
UNC is good for a variety of students. The teaching/education majors are wonderful and very popular. There is also a great nursing school here. As well as a good business school.

Jeniffer - Grand Junction, CO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Dorm Life
The dorms are great! I have lived in two different dorms, and I loved both of them. I would highly recommend living on campus if you can, it's a great experience.
Academic Rigor
The classes are balanced. They make you work, but you always learn a lot, and the professors do everything they can to help you.
What to do for fun
There are a TON of things to get involved in! Whether you join a club, go to campus hosted events, or go to an off campus event, there is always something going on. I would highly recommend attending events and getting involved, that's the part that makes college fun!
Bang for the buck
UNC has worked with me a lot for financial aid and making sure my bill is covered. It's a cheap university, but you would never know based on the quality!
Food and Dining
The dining halls are pretty good. It can get boring after a while, but luckily you can use dining dollars for places on campus such as coffee shops, Einstein's Bagels, Subway, and Munchie Mart.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs to join. I'm in Geography Club and Earth Guardians. It doesn't matter what club you join, you will always find great people, a fun time, and (usually) free pizza.

Female, Biology/Secondary Education major

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Due to how I took Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes, I find some of the classes to be reviews of what I had learned in the upper level classes in high school. On the other hand, I am still learning quite a bit, especially in my Mexican American Studies course, and am enjoying at the same time!

I especially look forward to future classes, when I go more into detail of subjects concerning my major.
Am enjoying being here
I love the campus!! Although I am commuting from a nearby town, the colors in the fall on campus are magnificent, and the campus is beautiful. Many of the people on campus are also very friendly and helpful, and if you don't know where something is, just ask a student or someone walking around, and they'll direct you to where you need to go!

The only main disadvantage of the school is how the two sides of campus are split up. There's a West Campus and Central Campus. If you have a class on West Campus, then on Central Campus fifteen minutes later, you have to almost run in order to get to your next class! Though, this is not too much to worry about, for many of the classes that you'd take for your major will be on the same side of UNC.
Bang for the buck
The money is definitely worth it, especially in comparison to other schools in Colorado. Especially for in-state tuition, UNC is MUCH cheaper than say CSU or CU Boulder. Also, if one can, try and see if there's family in the nearby area that you can stay at. As those who have been researching colleges know, room and board is usually almost as much as tuition. The same goes for UNC, and is the main reason why I'm staying with my parents for at least a year or so.
Tips for prospective students
--At orientation, make sure you plan your classes somewhat close together. Make sure the buildings your class are on the same side of UNC.

--You will be told this over and over, but do not take 18 credits your first semester, unless you might have had lots of AP/IB classes. I am taking 18 credits as a first semester freshman, and I am surviving only because I've taken IB and AP classes.

--Get involved with the community! Volunteer work is always the best thing on resume's and this is especially true well into college and beyond.
Great for these types of students
More introverted students. The campus is large enough so that there's lots of new people to meet, yet is small enough that you still see familiar faces from time to time.

Prospective teachers. UNC is considered one of the best teacher school's in the nation, and it's for no small reason. If you do decide to go to UNC as an education major of some sort, I HIGHLY recommend pursuing an endorsement in either ESL (English as a Second Language) or Bilingual/Bicultural. These endorsements are tailored to help you succeed in teaching minority students, particularly Mexican and Hispano students. Within these endorsements, there's another program called Cumbres here that is helping students with these endorsements, and is well-known within the state of Colorado for raising teachers who are leaders in the school and community. I am currently in this program, and it's fantastic! Although I am a Biology/Secondary Education major, this program is amazing, and I highly suggest you try and get in.

Business students. Although I am not in the business program myself, I've heard that our business department is also nationally known.

Theatre/Music students: For the same reason above, we have a well-known theatre and music program.

Elicia from Westminster, CO

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school went from being my back-up, to becoming my first choice. Everything about the campus and the academics really made me love UNC and want to continue my education here. I'm so happy I come here!
Tips for prospective students
Try to take any AP or IB classes or any concurrent enrollment courses because they will accept plenty of credit! It can get you out of the first 2 years of your LAC's. Look into it! Also really research where you want to live. Decide which side of campus will suit you more, which accommodations each dorm has that you like/want and which is financially better for you!
Academic Rigor
The LAC/general courses definitely challenged me. They each required certain amounts of study time that a necessary to passing the class. I feel like I am truly in college with the difficulty of the courses.
Dorm Life
Although dorm life can get REALLY expensive (I live in south which is the most expensive) it is so much fun. The dorms are great and you meet tons of new people. There are plenty of activities and opportunities in the res halls which will definitely help you grow as a student. Also, the campus is so small, no matter what hall you live in, you're so close to everything on campus. Especially west campus.
Food and Dining
On some days, the food is fantastic with many different options. Other days, nothing is appealing. There is always a salad bar and a fruit bar along with a variety of cereal if you cannot find anything else. The breakfast is usually my favorite. The hours kind of suck because if you're in class during certain hours, you just don't get to eat.. They do have pretty good retail dining in the UC where you can spend your dining dollars. The hours are pretty good too. Once again, meal plans are pricey but I enjoyed being able to go to the dining hall if I have no food in my dorm.
What to do for fun
There's plenty to do. I like to go to the rec center where there's a track, weights and a pool. Also, there are plenty of exercise classes for a great price. Also, the UC usually has stuff happening. Almost anywhere on campus something will be happening. Also, we are very close to downtown where there is plenty to do. Theaters restaurants and night life. If you're not studying or sleeping, you will DEFINITELY find something to do.
Bang for the buck
I received a great fininacial aid package. It was much cheaper than other schools I was interested in. The only problem I have is with process of getting financial aid. It took me up until the first week of classes for everything to be completely finished which was frustrating and scary. Other than that, there are great resources on campus that are worth every penny. I still suggest applying for as many scholarships as possible.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Turner green always has something going on. There's usually a lot of events in the beginning of the semester here.
Great for these types of students
Great for athletes, music and arts students, sciences, etc. Great for any type of student. There are so many ways to get involved and fit in.
Clubs and Activities
Soooo many options to choose from for any type of student and any interest. I joined community council in the res halls which was great.
Campus Safety
There are blue poles with a bright light and an emergency button to push. When pushed, the cops will be there in an instant. There are plenty around campus and they're all very visible. If you are walking let, you can just call the campus police and they can escort you to your car or dorm. Also, the dorms all require you to swipe in to enter the building. If you don't have one, you have to see the front desk.

Carlie from OR

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Northern Colorado is a friendly school that offers a variety of different programs. The campus is large, but really feels like home. The staff really connect with students, which makes the whole experience even better.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking for a school for performing arts, teaching, or nursing, look no further. That is not to say that the other programs are not top notch as well. UNC is a close-knit community that will help you reach whatever your goal maybe.
Academic Rigor
You get out of it what you put in. There are programs made to challenge you, such as the Honors Program, or the Presidential Leadership Program. But if you are here to slide through college, that can be done as well.
Dorm Life
There are dorms here for every type of person. If you want to live with a lot of people, you can have that. If you want a more quiet experience, they have that too. None of the dorms are overly expensive, which makes picking the right one even easier, because cost is not an issue.
Food and Dining
The food here at UNC is superb. You never get bored, because there is always something new. With three dining halls throughout campus, you are never to far away from your next meal.
What to do for fun
With this school being so into the performing arts, there is always something to do around campus. There are plays, band concerts, and art exhibits all the time. We also house a variety of Division I athletic teams if that is your thing. The city of Greeley may not be the most exciting place in the world, but there are things to do none the less. There are different clubs and bars located not far off campus if that is your kind of thing.
Bang for the buck
With CU and CSU not too far away, these three schools are always compared. But the truth is is that UNC is the most affordable, and you get your money's worth.
Campus Safety
There are little blue posts all around campus that alert the police if there if anyone presses the button on them. But, these have never needed to be used, because this campus is very safe.